Chemical Bonding Makes a Difference!Mary HarrisThis report describes a PowerPoint presentation that shows how a small difference in bonding can result in a drastic change in the properties of a material.Harris, Mary. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1435.

Teaching Chemistry Laboratory Skills in Industrial ContextsJulianne M. Braun and Carol WhiteA recently completed project has produced a compilation of 40 laboratory experiments presented within the contexts of five major industries. This article provides a summary of these experiments, along with a discussion of ancillary materials.Braun, Julianne M.; White, Carol. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 353.

Electropolymerized Conducting Polymer as Actuator and Sensor Device: An Undergraduate Electrochemical Laboratory ExperimentMaría T. Cortés and Juan C. MorenoA trilayer formed by two conducting polymer films sandwiched around an adhesive polymer layer works as actuator and sensor simultaneously. This device can be bent up to 180 and it can be used as a sensing device of physical chemistry parameters such as cell temperature and electrolyte concentration. In this article, it is shown in a didactic way how to electrochemically synthesize ClO4-doped polypyrrole (PPy) films, how to fabricate a trilayer device, and how to evaluate its actuating and sensing capabilities. The required materials are simple and a complicated setup is not necessary. Cortés, María T.; Moreno, Juan C. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1372.

Electrochemistry |

Materials Science |

Undergraduate Research |

Polymerization |

Applications of Chemistry

Making and Using a Sensing Polymeric Material for Cu2+: An Introduction to Polymers and Chemical SensingJean R. Paddock, Anne T. Maghasi, William R. Heineman, and Carl J. SeliskarIn this experiment, students will be introduced to concepts of polymer chemistry, chemical sensors, metal chelates, spectroscopy, and quantitative analytical methods. A polymer network is generated by students and consists of crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) blended with the polyelectrolyte poly(acrylic acid), which is then doped with the spectroscopically-active chelating agent PAN, 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-napthol. All components of this hydrogel serve as an ion-exchange medium trapping cations that, when exposed to solutions of 2+ metals, can act as a material in a chemical sensor. Paddock, Jean R.; Maghasi, Anne T.; Heineman, William R.; Seliskar, Carl J. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1370.

Quantitative Analysis |

UV-Vis Spectroscopy |

Polymerization |

Ion Exchange |

Quantitative Analysis

Introduction to Photolithography: Preparation of Microscale Polymer SilhouettesKimberly L. Berkowski, Kyle N. Plunkett, Qing Yu, and Jeffrey S. MooreIn this experiment, a glass microscope slide acts as the microchip. Students can pattern this "microchip" by layering negative photoresist on the slide using a solution containing monomer, crosslinker, photoinitiator, and dye. The students then cover the photoresist with a photomask, which is the negative of a computer-generated image or text printed on transparency film, and illuminate it with UV light. The photoresist in the exposed area polymerizes into a polymer network with a shape dictated by the photomask. The versatility of this technique is exemplified by allowing each student to fabricate virtually any shape imaginable, including his or her silhouette. Berkowski, Kimberly L.; Plunkett, Kyle N.; Yu, Qing; Moore, Jeffrey S. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1365.

Materials Science |

Applications of Chemistry |

Free Radicals |

Polymerization

Hands-on Classroom Photolithography Laboratory Module To Explore NanotechnologyScott J. Stelick, William H. Alger, Jesse S. Laufer, Anna M. Waldron, and Carl A. BattTeaching nanotechnology in the high school and undergraduate environment is a challenge given the typical expense of instruments used to create micro- and nano-sized devices. To meet this challenge, a portable optical reduction stepper was designed, fabricated, and optimized for use in classrooms. This unique system was designed to provide a safe, hands-on experience for students to create microscale circuits using photolithography. Students are able to design, fabricate, and test a circuit with dimensions as small as 100 mm. Stelick, Scott J.; Alger, William H.; Laufer, Jesse S.; Waldron, Anna M.; Batt, Carl A. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1361.

A Simpler Small Scale Method for the Identification of PlasticsAnderson, Guy E.Previously a method for separating and identifying plastics was introduced that required the preparation of a series of solutions with different known densities. The procedure described here simplifies the preparation by requiring only one solution. Anderson, Guy E. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, A173.

Polymer Science Pilot Program Mary L. MaierThe Polymer Science Pilot Program consists of a sequence of experiences with polymers, designed to focus upon the ways in which these materials resemble and/or compare with nonpolymers in physical properties, versatility, and function. Mary L. Maier. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 643.

Polymerization |

Physical Properties |

Materials Science

Superabsorbent Polymers: An Idea Whose Time Has ComeFredric L. BuchholzA simple laboratory preparation of partially neutralized, cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) is given along with test methods suitable for measuring the absorption capacity of the product. Experiments are described that demonstrate the ability of a swelling gel to perform work.Buchholz, Fredric L. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 512.

Polymerization |

Consumer Chemistry

Not So Late Night Chemistry with USDKoppang, Miles D.; Webb, Karl M.; Srinivasan, Rekha R.Through the program, college students enhance their knowledge and expertise on a chemical topic and gain experience in scientific presentations. They also serve as role models to the high school students who can relate to college students more easily than the chemistry faculty members and their high school students.Koppang, Miles D.; Webb, Karl M.; Srinivasan, Rekha R. J. Chem. Educ.1994, 71, 929.

Synthesis of a phenol-formaldehyde thermosetting polymerBedard, Y.; Riedl, B.Procedure that allows for the synthesis of a 50% aqueous solution of a prepolymer that, with the proper application of heat and pressure, can be used to bind together wood or other materials.Bedard, Y.; Riedl, B. J. Chem. Educ.1990, 67, 977.

Polymer modelsCarraher, Charles E., Jr.A child's "pop-it-bead" set or polystyrene spheres or corks with holes drilled through them and connected with a shoestring can be used to illustrate some relationships of structure to polymer properties.Carraher, Charles E., Jr. J. Chem. Educ.1970, 47, 581.

Linear polymerization and synthetic fibersMoncrieff, Robert W.Examines early research in polymers, the synthesis of polyesters and polyamides, the polymerization of hydrocarbons, and condensation and addition polymerization.Moncrieff, Robert W. J. Chem. Educ.1954, 31, 233.

Polymerization

Lecture demonstrations with siliconesSpalding, David P.Offers a series of demonstrations designed to illustrate some of the basic properties of the silicones that make them unusual substances, including their resistance to high and low temperatures, unusual surface properties, and chemical inertness.Spalding, David P. J. Chem. Educ.1952, 29, 288.